Cost of living in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen, located in the remote Svalbard archipelago of Norway, is known for its unique Arctic environment and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this northernmost settlement is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Longyearbyen, from dining and groceries to housing and utilities, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19.02 on average, with a range between $18.03 and $20.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Domestic beer costs around $6.4, with prices ranging from $4.87 to $7.93.
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is priced at $4.87 on average.
- Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino costs between $4.87 and $7, averaging $5.93.
- Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $2.2 and $4.87, averaging $3.23.
- Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water costs between $2.64 and $4.42, averaging $3.4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $2.16 and $3.14 per liter, averaging $2.65.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $4.51.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.88 to $6.8, averaging $4.55.
- Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs between $8.03 and $10.82 per kg, averaging $9.43.
- Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs between $0.52 and $0.62, averaging $0.57.
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs between $11.72 and $12.62, averaging $12.17.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $12.05 per kg.
- Apples (1kg) - Apples cost between $2.62 and $3.19 per kg, averaging $2.9.
- Oranges (1kg) - Oranges range from $2.62 to $3.05 per kg, averaging $2.83.
- Potatoes (1kg) - Potatoes are priced between $2.08 and $3.66 per kg, averaging $2.87.
- Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs between $1.05 and $2.36, averaging $1.7.
- Tomatoes (1kg) - Tomatoes range from $3.14 to $5.41 per kg, averaging $4.14.
- Bananas (1kg) - Bananas cost between $2.62 and $2.91 per kg, averaging $2.76.
- Onions (1kg) - Onions are priced between $2.5 and $3.66 per kg, averaging $3.08.
- Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $33.28 per kg.
Transportation
- Gasoline (1 liter) - Gasoline is priced between $1.3 and $1.92 per liter, averaging $1.83.
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - The starting fare for a taxi is $4.96.
- Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) - The cost per kilometer in a taxi ranges from $0.88 to $1.8, averaging $1.05.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $400 to $901.61, averaging $644.25.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $62.89 and $68.42, averaging $66.49.
- Internet - Internet services cost $43.46.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Norway are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Norway, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
"Key Takeaways"
Longyearbyen offers a unique living experience with relatively affordable housing compared to other Norwegian cities, though groceries and dining can be on the higher side.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices reflecting the remote location.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
Living in Longyearbyen presents a distinctive lifestyle opportunity, balancing the challenges of Arctic living with the benefits of a close-knit community.
While some costs, such as dining and groceries, may be higher due to the remote location, affordable housing and utilities help offset these expenses.
Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their move to this unique part of the world.
Nearby Cities
All cities in Norway